The explorer uses electricity generated by bacteria

Scientists working at the US Naval Laboratories (NRL) plan to use advanced microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which will provide enough electricity in the long run (from processes live microbial) for a small car (to explore other planets).

"The objective of the study is to confirm that the reliability and efficiency of the power source (generated by the chemical processes of live bacteria) provide for a small car explore other planets) in harsh environments where humans can not intervene, " said Dr. Gregory Scott, of the Space Technology Engineering Division, Naval Laboratories (NRL) .

Advanced microbial fuel cells (MFCs) integrated into self-propelled electronics (ultra low power), can also be integrated into all robot systems, especially on the robot explores the other planets.

While there are limitations (which researchers are seeking to tackle) such as size, weight, etc., advanced microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are long-term power supplies. (because microbes inside advanced microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can reproduce more self-replicating) than when compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Some of the energy generated by advanced microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can be used to maintain the operation of electronic equipment (small vehicles) and control systems, The remaining charge will be charged to the battery or capacitor, so that when the system has loaded enough power to activate advanced scientific instruments (or perform complex movement movements).

The results of this study laid the foundation for the development of small power electronics for long-term exploration missions in the universe and in robot applications.